The Daily Beans: Episode Summary - "We Showed Up (feat. Christine Ahn)"

Podcast Information

• Title: The Daily Beans
• Host/Author: MSW Media
• Description: The Daily Beans is a women-owned and operated progressive news podcast tailored for your morning commute, featuring the Webby award-winning host Allison Gill and comedian/activist Dana Goldberg. It delivers social justice and political news with the perfect touch of snark.
• Episode: We Showed Up (feat. Christine Ahn)
• Release Date: June 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Beans, hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg delve into a whirlwind of pressing political events and social movements shaping the United States. From tragic acts of violence to massive peaceful protests, the hosts provide insightful commentary and engage in meaningful discussions with special guest Christine Ahn from the Feminist Peace Initiative.

Major News Topics

1. Minnesota Legislative Assassinations

A shocking and tragic event unfolded in Minnesota where a MAGA extremist, Vance Bolter, impersonating law enforcement, fatally shot two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses.

• Allison Gill [09:05]: "He remains at large on Sunday, 57-year-old Vance Bolter... authorities said he impersonated a police officer to gain access to the home of state Rep. Melissa Hortman."

2. No Kings Protests: Massive Turnout and Peaceful Demonstrations

The weekend saw millions of Americans rallying in the No Kings protests, demonstrating widespread opposition to former President Trump and his administration.

• Dana Goldberg [01:17]: "The rally downtown drew over 25,000 people... it felt joyful and hopeful."
• Allison Gill [02:11]: "We had over 60,000 people. That number might be revised upward toward 85,000 here in San Diego."

Despite threats from authorities and an ongoing manhunt for Bolter, the protests remained peaceful with zero arrests or property damage, showcasing the community's resilience and commitment to non-violence.

• Dana Goldberg [11:02]: "No Kings rallies... were very, very peaceful, joyous and community."

3. Trump's Military Birthday Parade: A Symbol of Mismanagement

President Trump's military birthday parade was a major focus, expecting over 200,000 attendees but only attracting around 30,000 due to poor organization and public disinterest.

• Allison Gill [30:46]: "They were expecting over 200,000 people, but only got like 30,000... an embarrassing look for the administration."

The event was mocked for its lackluster turnout and ineffective execution, including humorous comparisons to outdated movie scenes.

• Dana Goldberg [08:52]: "Imagine a tank rolling down the street, silent and squeaky... Trump even looks miserable at this thing."

4. Militarization of the U.S. Border and Local Law Enforcement

The episode highlights alarming increases in the militarization of the U.S. border and local law enforcement agencies.

• Dana Goldberg [18:28]: "This is fucked up."
• Allison Gill [22:52]: "This is the first known detention by active duty troops deployed there by President Trump."

Stories include U.S. troops detaining immigrants in designated defense zones, and Marines temporarily detaining a civilian in Los Angeles, raising concerns about the erosion of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

5. ICE Detention Facility Escapes

Escapees from a private ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, exacerbate the ongoing issues with privatized detention facilities.

• Allison Gill [23:05]: "Delaney hall was the scene of a disturbance... detainees escaped by breaking through drywall and mesh barriers."

Local officials like Mayor Ras Baraka and Rep. Lamonica McIver continue to battle against inhumane conditions in these facilities, despite resistance from private operators like GEO Group.

6. House Budget Vote: Funding Cuts to PBS and NPR

The House narrowly approved legislation to eliminate two years of federal funding for public media outlets PBS and NPR, following pressure from President Trump who criticized these organizations for alleged bias.

• Allison Gill [25:15]: "The House approved it 214 to 212, largely along party lines... reflecting a list of cuts totaling $9.4 billion."

This move signifies a broader trend of undermining public media and reflects the administration's attempts to control the narrative against conservative viewpoints.

7. NYC Mayoral Race: Cross Endorsement & Ranked Choice Voting

Progressive candidates Zoran Mamdani and Brad Lander in New York City's mayoral race endorse each other to leverage the ranked choice voting system, aiming to surpass incumbent Andrew Cuomo.

• Allison Gill [29:56]: "The partnership effectively turns Mamdani and Lander into a joint entry... hoping neither will receive 50% initially, thereby transferring votes to ensure one of them wins."
• Dana Goldberg [30:29]: "Ranked choice voting allows primary voters to list up to five candidates... this strategic endorsement helps build momentum against Cuomo."

This collaboration highlights strategic maneuvering within progressive politics to navigate complex electoral systems favorably.

Interview with Christine Ahn: Feminist Peace Initiative

Special guest Christine Ahn, founder of Women Cross DMZ and a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, discusses her organization's efforts to end the Korean War and promote women's leadership in peacebuilding.

Key Points from Christine Ahn:

• Historic Peace Walk (05:55): In 2015, Christine organized a Peace Walk from North to South Korea, involving 30 international women, including Gloria Steinem.
• Create Peace Now Campaign (32:54): Advocates for congressional resolutions like the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act to formally end the Korean War, urging the U.S. to take responsibility as a signatory to the armistice.
• Feminist Peace Playbook (40:48): A strategic document advocating for reallocating funds from militarization to policies that meet basic human needs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of domestic security and foreign policy.
• Critique of Militarism (42:55): Highlights the excessive allocation of the U.S. budget to the Pentagon and related agencies, arguing for a shift towards investment in community and domestic welfare.

Christine emphasizes the importance of redefining U.S. foreign policy to prioritize care and cooperation over militarism, aligning with broader movements to resist authoritarianism and promote democratic values.

Good News Highlights

The episode transitions into a segment celebrating listener-submitted good news, featuring successful No Kings rallies across various states, peaceful protests, and uplifting community stories.

Notable Submissions:

• Lancaster, PA (55:38): A turnout of around 4,000 people in a traditionally rural and red county, showcasing significant community support.

  • Dana Goldberg [55:38]: "Lancaster showed that we are ready to show up for the rest of the country in future elections."

• Nampa, Idaho (59:05): A successful No Kings Day rally with a large turnout and minimal police intervention.

  • Dana Goldberg [59:08]: "The afternoon was uneventful, despite the Trump train passing twice."

• First-Time Protestors (Various Times): Stories of families, children, and diverse demographics participating in protests, reinforcing the movement's broad support.

  • Allison Gill [53:00]: "This little place... Turnout was huge... over 2000... commented on the absence of counter-protesters."

Listeners also shared adorable pet photos and family moments, adding a personal and heartwarming touch to the segment.

Listener Feedback:

• Anonymous Pronoun She/Her [55:08]: Appreciation for the podcast's support, sharing personal stories of adoption and the importance of visual memories for foster children.
• Elizabeth Pronouns She/Her [59:15]: Emotional recount of attending her first protest and the sense of community it fostered.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reinforcement of the show's mission to provide a platform for progressive voices, encourage civic participation, and celebrate community resilience. Hosts Allison Gill and Dana Goldberg commend listeners for their active participation in protests and community events, emphasizing the power of collective action in shaping a just and equitable society.

Notable Quotes

• Allison Gill [11:02]: "People showed up anyway. It is impressive and courageous."
• Dana Goldberg [18:28]: "This is fucked up."
• Christine Ahn [42:55]: "We have to start building... militarism is one thing that we really have to see impacting all aspects of our lives."

Final Notes This episode of The Daily Beans provides a comprehensive look into the current political climate, highlighting both the struggles and the unwavering spirit of resistance among American communities. Through informed discussions and heartfelt listener stories, the podcast underscores the importance of unity and proactive engagement in the face of adversity.

For more information and to join the conversation, visit mswmedia.com.